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Ralph DeRosa Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph DeRosa
David Meckstroth
August 30, 2015
Sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was a great guy - he'll be missed. I extend my prayers to his family.
Don Rissmeyer
September 4, 2014
I have enjoyed working with Ralph these past few years to establish and maintain a permit on the Fawn Lake Dam. His no nonsense approach to the regulations was appreciated, from one native New Yorker to another. He will be missed!
Buddy Kourouklis
August 21, 2014
I am shocked and saddened to learn this news. Though I have only known Ralph for a few years, he was one of my favorite people. He was a really great person and simply as kind-hearted as they come. A true one of a kind! Please accept my deepest condolences.
Tim Murphy
August 13, 2014
To Ralph's Family and Friends, I was very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. You have my deepest sympathies and prayers. I never met Ralph face to face but I spoke with him on the phone and corresponded with him on email on a number of occasions for Fawn Lake/NTS work related concerns. It was always a pleasure to talk with him, even over the phone you could tell the kind of person he was. It validates all the wonderful notes I see written here. The story of his passing hits especially close to home for me as I just lost my own Father back in March. He too passed away suddenly and without warning at the age of 67. There were no signs or concerns about his health before that day. So, please know that I also understand and sympathize with what your family is going through. Again, please accept my condolences and prayers for Ralph and his whole family. God Bless him and my Dad. Gone too soon.
Dan Harris
August 12, 2014
Ralph was my Fawn Lake hero! Every greeting was a big hug and "I love ya man". He truly made this community the success that it is. I'm honored to have worked with him in the transition of the Club and also honored to have been his good friend for the last few years. His leadership and presence here will be sorely missed...
August 12, 2014
Michelle, I just learned from Kay of your family's loss.
Ralph was a great "to the point" guy. He cut me a break as #46 to sign up for Governors land in 1992. (as I told you recently)
He twisted the arms of builders and banks (in a nice way) to get me the home I wanted.
I surely appreciated the faith he had in me that I would meet the payments!
He will be missed by many he helped in the same way.
He helped many into new communities and actively participated.
He leaves a strong legacy of a life well lived
Gordon Rivers, Newport News
Jake Thomas
August 11, 2014
Michele,
I was sadden to hear about Ralph's death. Everyone who knew him, loved him. I know he will be missed. I can share your feelings in that regard. I continue to thank God and stay positive by thinking about how I have been so blessed throughout my life and Jacki was sure one of those huge blessing in my life. I wish you well as you start the journey without Ralph.
God bless,
Jake Thomas
Clay & Martha Rogers
August 11, 2014
Michelle, We were so terribly sorry to hear this news. Please know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Most sincerely,
Palmer Allen
August 10, 2014
I'm saddened by your loss,but I worked 3 years at Fawn Lake Midnight shift and I met Mr. Derosa,only once, but what a guy whom not only worked hard,but liked the very people whom worked for him...I remember a gathering of employees at Fawn Lake for Christmas party and how bright and warm he was...Didn't reason how small of a guy he was,but yet how very big in Heart he was as he introduced himself to those attending.. He will surely be missed and I won't ever forget him, thanks for sharing him with us,and please know you're never alone.. May He find rest and peace in His Arms....Chaplain Allen,RRCJA former Safety Officer Fawn Lake
August 8, 2014
Dear Michelle, Ham & Nick,
We cannot think of Ralph without smiling. Ralph always made us feel so welcome, so important, so cared for...we were one of the original "pioneers" at Governor's Land and Ralph was a big part of our decision to make the move. Over the years we started referring to Ralph as "Uncle Ralph", because he was like family - and he almost never said No! to our requests to support the couples golf program, or home and away tournaments like North vs. South with Old North State. We could go on and on....the simple truth is that Ralph had a spirit and love of life like no other. We will miss him - yes, but he will most certainly continue to put a smile on our face as he watches over his community of family and friends from heaven - the ultimate promotion.
Theresa & Troy Stavens Gloucester, VA
Dulcie Holland
August 7, 2014
Michele, Ham and Nick, I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was one of the good guys. He really knew how to enjoy life. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wade Campbell
August 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Our prayers are with you in your time of need.
Jonathan Bonnett
August 7, 2014
I always loved talking to ralph. He always had a great story and always had a smile on his face. My condolences to Michele Ham and nicky
Neil and Cheryl Rogers
August 7, 2014
Dear Michelle and family,
We are so very sorry to learn of your loss. Ralph was such a pleasant person with the best smile! We will miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Ann Crane
August 7, 2014
Michelle, Hammel and Nick, I was very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He made a resounding effect on my life and family by giving me a job opportunity and seeing the potential in me no one else had ever acknowledged. I will forever be grateful to him for so very many things and pray that you will find solace in the fact that he is with the heavenly Father and at peace. May God bless you and be with you during this most difficult time. Joyce Ann Crane
August 7, 2014
Our sincerest condolenscenes to the DeRosa family. Ralph was a real class act! His door was always open and he welcomed you with a smile on his face and usually a few stories that made you smile too! He was so very supportive of our charity event including the Jagermeister shots on the first hole. His leadership and generous spirit will be sorely missed here at Fawn Lake! We will enjoy one more for you tonight Cheers Ralph!
Colby and Tim Keilty, Fawn Lake
Kenneth Melton
August 7, 2014
Ralph was a great person and leader. He always had a smile on his face and the many times I went up to his office to ask a question or help on a deal he never cut me short and always had the answer to my questions. I know he is in a wonderful place but he went there to soon and he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
Jo Brooks
August 7, 2014
Michele & family, so very sorry for your loss. Ralph sounds like an amazing person from the beautifully written tribute about him. May you find comfort in family and friends and the wonderful memories that you will always be able to keep.
Richard Rinaldo
August 7, 2014
Michele,
Sorry to hear this. Ralph was one of those rare, accepting people with compassion and love for those around him, even when they were undeserving.
Kristin Ilchert
August 7, 2014
The Derosa family, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is one word that comes to mind when describing Ralph, it would be "Gracious" in every sense of the word. He will be missed but most of all he will be remembered and his light will shine in all our hearts and we will be forever grateful for having our paths cross. God Bless.
Norene Phillips
August 7, 2014
Michelle & family, May God be with you during this difficult time. I was so sadden to hear about the loss of Ralph. I had the great pleasure & honor of working with him in the past & saw what a profound effect he had on the lives he touched. He always showed how much he cared about his family & friends & would light up a room with his presence. This world has lost a great guy & I am sure the stars will shine brighter tonight because of him.
Dan and Pam Williams
August 6, 2014
Dan and I are saddened that the world has lost such a bright light as Ralph. He was always joyful every time we saw him. Michelle, Dan and I offer our deepest sympathies on such a loss to you and your children.
Mac and Catherine Triplett
August 6, 2014
Dear Michele, Hammel and Nick,
We are so very sorry to hear the sad news! How Ralph will be missed! Although we had not seen him in a few years, our memories and experiences with him and of him are still close. Always ready with a helping hand and a good word...one particular instance we remember was during a bad ice storm in Ford's Colony...the ice was so thick no one could go anywhere! But all of a sudden here comes Ralph down our street with golf cleats on!!! We laughed so hard! Ralph welcomed us when we first came to Williamsburg and was a great colleague as well as a friend to Mac.
Our sincerest condolences to you and your whole family.
Sherry Honaker
August 6, 2014
It saddened my heart deeply when I heard the news of Ralph's passing. I am a server at Fawn lake Country Club. Ralph was my boss at the time I was hired and I have been waiting on him at the club for 7 years. He was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face. He was always joking around with me and I really enjoyed seeing him coming in every week. Very polite and well mannered. I will surely miss seeing him at the club. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. God Bless you,
August 6, 2014
Our prayers are with your family, Ralph will truly be missed. I was President of Lake of the Woods association and worked with Ralph on Fawn Lakes dam issues with the State. Over the years we worked together on many legislative items that could effect the Communities. Ralph was a truly knowledgeable person and enjoyable friend.I will miss the many talks we had.
Bruce Kay and Carolyn Holland, Lake of the Woods
August 6, 2014
Michele and family...We are really sorry for your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you.
Your banquet ops family.
Lynn Braxton
August 6, 2014
Michelle, Hammel & Nick,
The more enriched a person makes our lives, the harder it is for us to let go of them. For this reason, I know that saying goodbye to Ralph will be the hardest sorrow to bear. I hope that the wonderful memories you have of Ralph as well as the love and friendship you have around you, will support you through this time. Our deepest sympathy, Peggy, Mike, Jessica and Amanda Willis
Jane Price
August 6, 2014
Michele, My deep sympathy and love to you and family.
T Griffin
August 6, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Tyler Gilman
August 6, 2014
All of the McBrides and the Gilmans share your loss in one of the finest men we have ever known.
Dorothy Williams
August 6, 2014
I am thinking of the family at this time with prayers.
Rose Dykstra
August 6, 2014
My condolences to the DeRosa family on your loss. I worked for Ralph for many years at Ford's Colony and Stonehouse and when my Mom got sick many states away; he always encouraged me that "family comes first". I will always remember my friend as a caring person. Rose Dykstra
August 6, 2014
Mrs DeRosa and family: It is with a heavy heart that I say "goodbye" to Ralph. He did many good things for Fawn Lake from the first day he arrived. He was my friend and I will miss him. My sincere condolences, Susan Noon
August 5, 2014
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great guy and he will be missed.
David Meckstroth, Winter Springs, Florida
August 5, 2014
Our sympathy to the DeRosa family
Larry and Trish Leake
August 5, 2014
Michele, Nick and Ham -- Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your extended family at this difficult time. I hope the coming days will give you peace and help you draw strength from the caring hearts around you. All our best, Steve, Alesia, Hannah and Emma Longenderfer
Drew Mulhare
August 5, 2014
Ralph was a great person to talk and laugh with. "My Friend" and "Ciao" was always a part of his dialogue.
Mitch Fournet
August 5, 2014
We are very saddened at the passing of Ralph. He was a wonderful Christian who supported us at MCF and was so kind in all his actions at Board of Director meetings. I am thankful for having worked with him. My sincere condolences and prayers go to the family and friends for peace in their hearts at this sad time.
Mitch Fournet
August 5, 2014
Michelle, Ralph touched all of Fawn Lake with his smile, his energy and his devoted caring. Glenn worked with Ralph closely not only on the board but also on the golf course ( I never really thought that was "work"), in the Men's Christian Fellowship and at the Fredericksburg Foodbank. I always felt blessed to live in a community led by such a wonderful Christian man. He will be missed and you and your family will be in my prayers. Glenn I'm sure was in heaven in line to welcome Ralph to this next phase of his life. We will see him again. Mary Ann Giddings (Fawn Lake Fredericksburg Virginia)
Ralph & Janet Mottinger
August 5, 2014
To our beloved Michele, Nick and Ham. I know you realize what a loving, kind, and generous husband and father he was.
We feel fortunate to have crossed paths with you and spent many hours together in celebration! Our hearts ache for you, but I know in our heart of hearts Ralph Roy is smiling and laughing as he enters the pearly gates! God bless you all! We love you and pray for strength in this difficult time.
Quentin Macmanus
August 5, 2014
Our sincere condolences to Ralph's family. He will be sorely missed
by the Fawn Lake community for his friendly manner, leadership and
professionalism. God bless his family
in this difficult time.
Quentin Macmanus, HOA board member.
Steve Zolnowski
August 5, 2014
To the DeRosa family and specifically to Michele DeRosa; my family is praying for you and yours. -- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10
August 5, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the entire DeRosa family. May God be with you and give you strength during this very stressful time. Ralph will be missed by all our Fawn Lake family - Ken and Melissa Baker
August 5, 2014
Ralph has been a business associate for two years and although I didn't know him well it quickly became apparent he was a caring, loving person. I know he'll be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Jerry Berman - Sterling, VA
James McCloskey
August 5, 2014
Everyone at Simply Home would like to send our deepest sympathy to the DeRosa family. Ralph was a man of compassion and integrity. The families and builders of Fawn Lake will miss him dearly.
JANE CUSTER GRIFFIN
August 5, 2014
To the entire DeRosa Family, but especially I reach out to Diana and Carol, whom I have known for years and years: The Custer Family is so saddened to learn of Ralph's untimely passing. Memories of our "growing-up" and high school years with Ralph will live on forever. May God comfort all of the DeRosa Family during this time of loss. Rest in Peace, Ralphie!
August 5, 2014
We appreciate all of the hard work, and hard decisions, Ralph has put into make Fawn Lake a community of which we are so proud.
Irv and Pat Boyles
Susan Byrne
August 5, 2014
Michele, Ham, and Nick, I am so heartbroken for all of you, I know this is quite a shock. May The Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you, be merciful and gracious to you, may the light of his countenance shine on you and give you his peace.
Love you all.
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